Reading Cafe Sci – "Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From kitchen to outer space?"

Basingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the talks organised by Reading Café Scientifique. These talks are usually given by scientists, followed by questions from the audience in the second half. They are a great opportunity to explore the latest ideas in science and technology, you don't need to be a scientist to enjoy the evening, everyone is welcome to ask a question or make a comment.

This evening's talk is “Microwaves – Friend or Foe?" delivered by Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol.

The Reading Cafe Sci monthly Meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.:

To let the talk organisers know you will be attending, please book on the Science in Reading Meetup group site.

https://www.meetup.com/thames-valley-ivc/events/308651829

“So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers."

Everyone welcome!

• 7:00pm Arrivals
• 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
• 7:35pm Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From your kitchen to outer space
• (Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol)
• 8:20pm Comfort Break
• 8:30pm Q&A
• 9:00pm Networking
• 9:30pm End

More Information

Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From your kitchen to outer space
(Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol)
Microwaves have become a household word over the past few decades, used synonymously with the ubiquitous gadgets adorning our kitchens. However, we often tend to overlook the complete identity of these microwaves – as a spectrum of electromagnetic energy (typically in the GHz range) sandwiched between its equally significant spectral neighbours, viz., Radio Frequencies (RF) and Infra-Red (IR). Together, they represent a powerful force which keeps the modern world running – with uses and abuses ranging from the humble kitchenette to the endless outer space. Whilst they power our medical devices on one hand, they also trigger a plethora of health concerns in the bargain; they scaffold a digital economy as much as they enable cyber frauds; they propel our smart homes and factories no less than they drive the military technologies of mass destruction; they offer us hopes for space based solar power but makes us more wary of a future space warfare; so on and so forth. In summary – love them or hate them, but one can hardly ignore microwaves in today’s world order.

In this context, the above talk has been conceived in honour of these microwaves – to discuss their diverse avatars and the associated risks vs. benefits. With a little bit of physics sprinkled on top for some flavour and garnish, the talk has been consciously curated for a scientifically curious audience with no prior knowledge of electromagnetics. So, please feel free to pop-in for an evening of light scientific discourse along with some food for your thoughts (and may be a pint for your thirst).

Science in Reading look forward to seeing you there!

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

We usually meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)